Roman Forest Police Chief Stephen Carlisle (left) and Montgomery County Precinct 4 Citizens Constable Academy alumni (from left) Brenda Armstrong, Michael Schmidt, Reda Schmidt and Jodi Ruonavar pose for a photo at the Montgomery County SheriffÂs District 3 Office Conference Room in New Caney where they have provided food and beverages for law enforcement officers working New YearÂs Eve Dec. 31. less

Roman Forest Police Chief Stephen Carlisle (left) and Montgomery County Precinct 4 Citizens Constable Academy alumni (from left) Brenda Armstrong, Michael Schmidt, Reda Schmidt and Jodi Ruonavar pose for a photo at the Montgomery County SheriffÂs District 3 Office Conference Room in New Caney where they have provided food and beverages for law enforcement officers working New YearÂs Eve Dec. 31. less

Hot breakfast food, beverages, produce and snacks of both the sweet and salty variety were set up around the Montgomery County Sheriff's District 3 Office Conference Room in New Caney New Year's Eve.

Alumni of the Montgomery County Precinct 4 Citizens Constable Academy organized the effort to provide food and beverages so law enforcement officers working New Year's shifts could stop by, eat and grab some snacks to sustain them through their shift.

"We were there to make sure the officers had food so they wouldn't have to stop and put themselves in danger," said Jodi Ruonavar, Citizen's Constable Academy alumnus. "We were able to provide food to sheriffs, troopers, officers from Cleveland, Splendora, Roman Forest, Woodbranch, Patton Village - just from all over. It was wonderful to be able to see the smiles on the officers' faces."

Over the course of the night, the effort provided food to approximately 67 law enforcement officers.

"I sent out an email to everyone that has been in the academy to help with the effort," Ruonavar said. "There were some that haven't even joined the alumni yet that participated. It means a lot when you have people who want to help. People here in East Montgomery County like our LEOs (Law Enforcement Officers.)"

Ruonavar expressed gratitude to Kroger's at Northpark in Kingwood for their substantial donation to the cause.

"Reggie Martin is the manager there," Ruonavar said. "I asked if he was able to donate. When I walked in there yesterday, there were two shopping carts full of donations."

Ruonavar is an alumnus from Class 001 of the Citizens Constable Academy.

"We officially formed in October of 2016," Ruonavar said. "From October until now, we have a crew of 27. We may be small in number, but we're mighty in support."

The Citizens Constable Academy is a free program open to residents of Montgomery County who are at least 18 years old. The 10-week program provides experience and knowledge about various law enforcement divisions and topics including patrol, civil service, neighborhood watch, K9, Shoot-Don't Shoot exercises and many more.

"It's a really good class," Ruonavar said. "You think you know about law enforcement, until you take that class. Even with what you already knew, you learn more. We didn't want it to end."

In fact, Ruonavar still enjoys attending class sessions, which alumni are welcome to do.

"They keep refining and tweaking the class," said Michael Schmidt, Citizens Constable Academy Class 003 alumnus. "Once you go through it, if there's something you've missed, or something they've changed, they're fine with you coming to the next class."

"It's something you get in your system," Ruonavar said. "Our local law enforcement is working hard. They do it because they love it. It takes special people to put a badge on their chest every day, give their loved one's a kiss with the thought of 'Dear Lord, bring me home.' It takes a special person to put their self in front of someone and shield that person."

Roman Forest Police Chief Stephen Carlisle was one of the officers that stopped by for a hot meal New Year's Eve.